Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, was forced to retire from the 2025 Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz on August 18, 2025, due to an unspecified illness, trailing 0-5 in the first set after just 23 minutes. The unexpected withdrawal handed Alcaraz his first Cincinnati Open title and his sixth ATP title of the year, but it left Sinner’s US Open preparations in disarray, just days before the Grand Slam begins on August 24. Sinner’s tearful exit, marked by apologies to fans and Alcaraz, underscored the severity of his condition, with concerns now looming over his participation in the US Open singles and mixed doubles events.
Sinner, who celebrated his 24th birthday on August 16, appeared unsteady from the match’s outset, struggling physically in Cincinnati’s oppressive heat. He told medics, “I tried, but I can’t,” before retiring, with replays showing him clutching his abdomen, suggesting a possible stomach issue (web:0, web:5). In his post-match comments, Sinner elaborated, “I’m super sorry to disappoint you. From yesterday, I didn’t feel great. I thought I would improve during the night, but it got worse. I tried to make it a small match, but I couldn’t handle more” (web:0). He also congratulated Alcaraz, saying, “Carlos, congrats. Another title. Not the way you wanted to win, but it’s amazing what kind of season you’re producing” (web:0).
The illness may be linked to a virus circulating among players, as Alexander Zverev also reported health issues during the tournament (web:0, web:1). Commentator Ryan Harrison suggested, “It could be a stomachache… We saw it with Zverev,” noting similar symptoms (web:0). Alcaraz, showing sportsmanship, consoled Sinner on the sidelines, a gesture echoed by his camera message after Zverev’s health scare in the semifinals (web:5, web:6). The Spaniard’s victory, his 22nd ATP title, strengthens his 9-5 head-to-head lead over Sinner, following their 2024 China Open final clash where Alcaraz called Sinner “a beast” (web:2, conversation).
Sinner’s withdrawal raises doubts about his US Open mixed doubles participation with Emma Navarro, especially given the event’s tight schedule starting August 19 (web:0, web:17). Fans on X expressed concern, with one post stating, “Sinner retiring from Cincy final is heartbreaking. Hope he’s okay for US Open” (@TheTennisLetter, August 18, 2025) (post:0). The situation mirrors strategic decisions by athletes like Emma Raducanu, who withdrew from the US Open singles due to injuries, or Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin prioritizing the Davis Cup. Sinner’s health now takes center stage as he aims to recover for Flushing Meadows.
